fall into winter

day breaks gray

fall's gentle chill

hardening into

a bite

by three pm

good

summer finally rests

curled up

cozily somewhere

with a good book

or on vacation

maybe

on the world's

lower east side...

* * *

winter

lurks always

behind the facade of

spring and summer

and even brother fall

jealously demanding

tribute

angry at being

the least loved

season

stretching out

icy fingers

to grasp at

happy hearts...

* * * * * * *

the god of winter

It's very cold in deep south

Texas tonight---a place noted

more for its totally uncalled for

summer heat. They say it may

freeze tonight. The following is

from another winter here, eight

years ago.

I rush from my car
to reach the refuge
of my cozy little house

wind blows coldness

up against my soul

layers and layers
of clothing

skin and bone and fat

no defense against this

biting visitor

trampling downcast leaves
beneath my feet
golden yellow
mottled brown
discouraged green
I hurry up the path
but still can't help
but notice

the butter yellow

papaya flowers fallen

sadly to the ground

potential destroyed

fruit unborn

sacrificed on an icy altar
to the cruel god of winter...

* * * * * * *